Call for Participants: TIB FAB Makers Challenge 2026 – Applications Open from June 3 (Wed)

DMM.make TOKYO (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Keishi Kameyama; hereinafter 'DMM.make TOKYO'), a general incorporated association, has been selected as the implementing entity for the 'Manufacturing Startup Support Project at TIB' publicly solicited by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and operates 'TIB FAB', a demonstration field for manufacturing startups. We are pleased to announce that applications for the 'TIB FAB Makers Challenge 2026', a program providing intensive support for individuals aiming to commercialize their ideas and seed/pre-seed stage manufacturing startups, will begin on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. 'TIB FAB Makers Challenge' is a manufacturing startup incubation program for highly motivated individuals seeking business growth centered on manufacturing. Participants can acquire the knowledge necessary for developing hardware products, the skills to materialize their own or their company's ideas, and effective prototyping methods for mass production. In addition to manufacturing knowledge and skills, the program provides one-stop support for approximately seven months, including individual assistance for mass production and implementation through partner collaboration and matching. We look forward to applications from those who wish to challenge product development, scale their business through implementation, or are startups aiming to enter the hardware sector. ■ Overview of 'TIB FAB Makers Challenge 2026' The program includes training on knowledge required for hardware product development, know-how for commercializing ideas, and methods for step-by-step prototyping towards mass production. After completing a prototype, it offers comprehensive one-stop support for seven months, including assistance for mass production and implementation through partner collaboration and matching. Name: TIB FAB Makers Challenge 2026 Application Period: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – Friday, July 3, 2026, 10:00 AM Organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Secretariat: TIB FAB Makers Challenge Operation Office (DMM.make TOKYO) Special Website: https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tibfab/program-2026 ● Provision of Manufacturing Activity Base 　Free access to digital fabrication equipment including 3D printers, electronics work equipment for circuit design and PCB mounting, machine tools for metalworking, electronic measuring instruments for IoT device development, and environmental testing equipment for temperature/humidity tests. 【TIB FAB Equipment List】 https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tibfab/machine ● Seminars & Workshops for Specialized Knowledge 　Practical programs led by entrepreneurs with product development experience. ● Accompanying Support for Development 　Support tailored to the participant's stage, including technical consultations, mentoring, and development of principle prototypes and mass production prototypes. ● Participation in the Manufacturing Community 　Building horizontal connections, primarily among entrepreneurs, essential for manufacturing. ● Commercialization Matching & Promotion Opportunities 　Opportunities for matching with stakeholders necessary for commercialization and PR for products and results. ● Results Presentation Meeting 　Opportunities to present in front of numerous stakeholders, including investors, financial institutions, and support companies. ■ Application Overview Individuals or corporations meeting all of the following requirements: ● Considering a manufacturing business and possessing a hardware product idea or prototype ● Aged 15 or older and graduated from junior high school at the time of application ● Willing to develop the product ● Willing to realize prototype development by February 2027 ● Willing to participate consistently in the program Free (food, transportation, and some material costs are to be borne by the participant) Approximately 15 teams (up to 2 people per team) Principally on-site (venue planned to be TIB FAB or a space within TIB) ■ Future Schedule (Planned) (1) Application Period: June 3 (Wed) – July 3 (Fri), 10:00 AM (2) Selection (Document Screening, Presentation Review): July (3) Kick-off for Selected Participants: August (4) Program Period: August – February (7 months) (5) Results Presentation (Demo Day): February *Participation may not be possible depending on the selection results. ■ Information on Pre-Information Session A pre-information session will be held to explain the program overview and features of 'TIB FAB Makers Challenge 2026'. Please check the page below for details and registration. Pre-Information Session: https://tibfabmc2026is.peatix.com ■ Details on Application Please refer to the TIB FAB Makers Challenge special website for details on the application guidelines and entry to the program. https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tibfab/program-2026 https://forms.gle/urAkSDevqSG9Q4jW8 Makers Challenge Entry Form About TIB FAB TIB FAB is a demonstration field equipped with hardware development equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters, and staff providing technical and business support. It aims to foster challengers who advance society with innovative ideas and technologies by supporting the growth and network expansion of manufacturing startups. For the operation of TIB FAB, DMM.make TOKYO provides over 2,000 pieces of equipment free of charge. 【Provided Services】Prototyping environment including 3D printers, laser cutters, 3D scanners, UV printers; equipment usage support by technical staff; advice for mass production 【Operation】DMM.make TOKYO TIB FAB Website: https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tibfab About Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) As a node of innovation supporting all challengers, TIB pre-opened in November 2023 as a major hub where startups and their supporters from Japan and abroad gather and interact. It offers a variety of programs, including facilities to support product development, a shop for test sales, a交流 space for networking, and mentoring by top executives. TIB Website: https://tib.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/ About DMM.make TOKYO